Smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern life, with companies such as LG Mobile and Samsung Mobile reporting that the average person goes online and/or checks their phone up to 150 times a day!

Considering how many devices our smartphones have replaced, watches, personal computers, calendars, cameras, dictaphones and more, it’s no surprise that we can’t live without this modern day essential.

When it comes to getting online, our smartphones are usually the easiest way to do so, especially when you’re not at home or in the office (or when you need to double check a fact just so that you can win that bet you have with your friend).

Just how do you connect to the internet from your phone or tablet though?

If you have a SIM card inserted into your device, then all you’d need to do is ensure that mobile data is switched on and that you are within your service provider’s coverage area.

If you’re setting up your device for the first time, then you should receive a text message from your service provider with all the necessary settings to get you online.

If you’re connecting to the internet using Wi-Fi, then here are a few steps to help get you online as soon as possible :

iPhone:

From the Home screen, go to Settings > Wi-Fi

Turn on Wi-Fi.

Your device should automatically search for available Wi-Fi networks.

Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to join.

After you join the network, you’ll see next to the network and in the upper-left corner of your display.

Android:

Dependant on the version of Android on your smartphone or tablet, here’s how to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi :

On the Home screen, slide your finger down from the top of the display.

Tap on the Settings icon.

Under Network Settings, tap on Wi-Fi

Turn on Wi-Fi.

Your device should automatically search for available Wi-Fi Networks.

Tap the name of the Wi-Fi network that you want to join.

Windows Mobile (8) :

In the App list, tap Settings > Wi-Fi

Turn on Wi-Fi

Your device should automatically search for available Wi-Fi Networks

Tip : Windows Mobile includes a function called Windows Sense which automatically connects you to recognised Wi-Fi networks.

To activate Wi-Fi Sense, tap Settings > Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Sense.

Once you have an active internet connection, you’ll be able to go online by using one of the internet browsers on your device.

On iPhone / iPad – the browser is Safari.

On Android– the standard Android browser is Chrome, however certain handset manufacturers also include their own browser on the device.